Views on punishment
Cards (4)
- Christian views on the aims of punishment
- Christians think that criminals should be punished for what they have done in a just way. Some think punishment should be “eye for eye“ so focus on retribution. Others believe they should “turn the other cheek” and look more towards reformation.
- Jesus told people to look at their own behaviour before criticising others. In the bible, a woman who was accused of adultery was saved by Jesus when he said “ let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her“. No one did and it reminds Christian’s that everyone sins.
- Christian views on the aims of punishment
- Being merciful is important in Christianity and Christian’s believe that reformation is important. “If someone is caught in sin, you who live by the spirit should restore that person gently.”
- Christians also value deterrence and protection - these help make communities less dangerous.
- Islamic views on punishment
- Many Muslims believe in reformation and punishment should give criminals the opportunity to see the error of their ways.
- The Quran mentions punishments such as whipping that are carried out publicly - the aim of this is to deter the criminals, but some believe this form of punishment can reform offenders too, and offers retribution.
- The Quran also says that the punishment should fit the crime “an eye for an eye “. But it also says that the offender can sometimes compensate the victim financially.
- Judaism views on punishments
- The Torah teaches that the punishment should match the crime “anyone who injured their neighbour is to be injured in the same manner.
- The Torah also explains that “whoever sheds human blood by humans shall their blood be shed“.
- However, many Jews think that the punishments set out in the Torah are too harsh but they do believe that punishment is important.
- They value punishment in terms of deterrence, protection and retribution. “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”